The government has extended by one month the tenure of the inquiry commission formed to investigate allegations surrounding the last three controversial national elections held during the Awami League’s tenure and to make recommendations for ensuring fair elections in the future.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Monday, extending the commission’s term and the deadline for submitting its report until November 30.

A five-member committee was initially formed on June 26, which was later reconstituted as a commission on July 29. The commission is chaired by former High Court Division Justice Shamim Hasnain. It was originally scheduled to submit its report by October 31.

According to the notification, the new extension will take effect from November 1, and no further extension will be granted.

The notification noted that there has been widespread criticism at home and abroad regarding the national parliamentary elections held in 2014, 2018, and 2024, amid allegations that a particular party came to power by manipulating the people’s right to vote in various ways.

The commission was formed under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956, to review these allegations and propose recommendations for holding free and fair elections in the future.

The other members of the commission are former Additional Secretary (Grade-1) Shamim Al Mamun, Dhaka University Law Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque (Supan), Barrister Tazrian Akram Hossain of the Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court, and Election Expert Dr. Md. Abdul Alim.